pet shipping, made easy.
Maroon Logistics was established to meet the growing demand from individuals looking to take control of their pet transportation while significantly reducing costs. Our service model is straightforward: clients handle all necessary paperwork and entry requirements for their pets, and we manage the airline booking
Pet Shipping
Transparent Pet Shipping Pricing
At Maroon Logistics, we charge a fixed fee for all bookings, ensuring complete transparency so you know exactly what you’re paying for. The total cost follows this simple equation:
Total Cost = Maroon Logistics Fee + Airline Shipping Fee + 10% of Airline Shipping Fee + Optional Items
Optional Items:
| For weekend, federal holiday, or after-hours check-ins: | $200 |
| For administering medication at layovers (airline-dependent), holiday, or after-hours check-ins: | $100 – 200 |
| We can provide crates if yours is rejected by the airline: | Crates |
| Rush fee for bookings made within 10 days of departure: | $200 |
| Rebooking fee for flight changes after booking: | $100 |
| Boarding (If needed due to delayed/cancelled flight): One dog (per night) Each additional dog/night One cat (per night) Each additional cat/night | $125 $75 $60 $30 |
Additional Costs Upon Arrival (not handled by us):
Customs Clearance Agent
Some countries required hiring a customs clearance agent. We can recommend an agent, but you will need to hire them directly.
Import Taxes
Varies by country, typically charged if there’s a change in ownership. Check with customs at your destination for specific rates.
Airline Terminal Handling Fees
Generally between $100–$250, depending on the destination. Contact the airline’s cargo team at your destination to confirm the exact amount.
Step-by-step
Your DIY Pet Shipping Guide.
This step-by-step shipping guide offers comprehensive details to help you plan your travel. It includes links to various agencies, downloadable guides, walkthroughs, and timelines
01
Pet Breed
The first step in preparing your pet for international travel is identifying your pet’s breed. Airlines do not accept “mix” as a breed designation. Instead, the dominant breed must be specified on the final health certificate (e.g., “German Shepherd mix” or “Golden Retriever mix”).
Each airline provides a list of restricted or banned breeds for travel, though exceptions may exist for cargo shipments that aren’t listed on the passenger website. It’s important to verify if your pet’s breed is allowed for travel with your chosen airline.
Many countries also impose restrictions on “aggressive breeds,” though exceptions for entry are sometimes granted. Be sure to check if your pet’s breed is permitted to reside in your destination country.
Key Questions to Consider:
- Is my pet a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed?
Snub-nosed breeds often face travel restrictions, especially during summer embargoes. Depending on your location, available departure airports may vary. - Is my pet considered a dangerous breed that’s banned from travel?
Some restricted breeds may require specialized crates or additional permissions. Make sure to check with your airline for breed-specific guidelines.
02
Find the Right Crate Size
After determining your pet’s breed, the next step is measuring your pet to select the appropriate crate size and ensuring a suitable travel route. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides the following guidelines for choosing the correct crate size:
- Measure Your Pet:
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not including the tail length).
- Measure from the ground to the top of the head (or ears) while your pet is standing.
- Measure from the ground to the elbow joint.
- Crate Length:
- The internal crate length should be at least the length of your pet (nose to butt), plus half the length of its front leg.
- For snub-nosed breeds, add an additional 10% to the length to ensure comfort.
- Crate Height:
- The internal crate height must be greater than your pet’s height. We recommend a minimum of 3 inches of space above your pet’s head when sitting or standing upright (4 inches for snub-nosed breeds).
- Anything less may be flagged as too small by airline staff during check-in.
- Comfort and Movement:
- The crate should allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without needing to curl up their body or legs to avoid the edges when lying down.
- The crate should allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without needing to curl up their body or legs to avoid the edges when lying down.
Choosing the right crate is essential for ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for your pet.
03
Request a quote
We recommend requesting a quote as early as possible to understand the costs involved and to explore route options and any potential limitations. If your pet is an aggressive breed, snub- nosed breed, or larger in size, there may be restrictions on available routes
Since pets are considered precious cargo requiring specialized care, airlines only transport them on specific aircraft a few times per week. Flights operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limited number of pets allowed on each flight. The earlier you request a booking and secure a freight forwarder, the better your chances of securing your preferred travel date.
Cargo bookings can typically be made between 10–45 days before departure, depending on the airline. Please fill out our quote request form, and we will respond within 1–2 business days.
04
Health Documentation
Once you have received a response from us, you will need to obtain the necessary health documentation for your pet(s) to fly. Almost all countries require a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination at the time of departure. It is important to note that not all countries have the same requirements for pet entry.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a comprehensive list of requirements for pets entering most countries. For guidance on country-specific requirements, please refer to the following resource:
05
Create a Backup Plan
It’s important to have a backup plan in case unexpected issues arise and your pet’s flight is delayed or canceled. Common causes for delays include weather embargoes, airport strikes, or cargo air conditioning malfunctions. In these cases, someone will need to return to the airport to collect your pet.
Be prepared for potential disruptions, and ensure you have a plan in place to accommodate any changes, such as arranging temporary boarding or transportation in case of delays.
06
Destination Arrival Arrangements
It’s essential to have a plan in place for collecting your pet upon arrival. If you do not plan to hire a customs broker or clearing agent, you will need to coordinate directly with customs and the airline at the destination to confirm the pickup time, location, and any fees due.
The customs clearance process can take anywhere from 1 to 10 hours, depending on the country (typically longer for Central and South American countries), but generally takes around 2–4 hours. The airline will guide you through the process, which usually involves traveling between the airline and customs to pay fees, submit paperwork, and wait for clearance.
Your pet will travel with all required health documents for customs clearance. At a minimum, you will need to bring the following:
- Airway Bill (AWB) number
- Your passport
- Proof of your own travel and residency
Be sure to have all arrangements in place well before your pet’s departure to ensure a smooth pickup process.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Find answers to common questions about our pet shipping services.
What Responsibilities Will I Handle?
With our cost-effective pet shipping model, Maroon Logistics handles booking your pet’s cargo flight, airline communications, and pet check-in. However, you’ll be responsible for the following tasks:
- Providing country- and airline-specific health documents.
- Supplying an appropriate crate for your pet (we can provide crates if necessary).
- Bringing your pet to the airport 4-6 hours before departure for check-in.
- Handing over all necessary items to our team for the check-in process.
- Arranging customs clearance and pet pickup at the destination airport.
How Do I Prepare My Pet for Shipping?
- Measure Your Pet: Ensure the crate size meets IATA regulations, based on your pet’s measurements, not the manufacturer’s weight guidelines.
- Confirm Flight Route: Ensure the airline accepts your pet’s breed and crate size. The final health certificate must list a dominant breed, such as “German Shepherd mix”; airlines do not accept just “mix.”
- Meet Health Requirements: Verify that your pet meets the health entry requirements of the destination country, including vaccines and a health certificate. Email us the USDA- endorsed health certificate and rabies certificate so we can submit them to the airline on time.
- Plan for Delays: Be prepared for potential flight delays or changes, such as boarding your pet if a flight is canceled. We can arrange third-party pet care for ATL departures if necessary.
What If Issues Arise During Transport?
If any issues occur during transport, the airline will contact us, and we will notify you immediately. Health issues are rare; the most common problems involve errors or missing health documents. In such cases, you’ll need to obtain new original documents from your veterinarian and have them sent overnight to our office. Your pet will be cared for at a pet facility while waiting for the new documents, and we’ll ensure your pet gets on the next available flight.
Will my pet stay in the crate from the time of check in until arrival to designated country?
Yes, your pet will remain safely in the crate throughout the journey, unless there is a layover. Keeping pets in their crates minimizes the risk of escape or injury, ensuring their safety until they reach their final destination.
Will someone fly on the plane or in cargo with my pet?
No, your pet will not be accompanied by a human when traveling as cargo. Once your pet is checked in, the airline assumes full responsibility for its safety and care. During the flight, your pet will be placed in a temperature- and pressure-controlled compartment within the cargo hold, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment.
Do I need to provide live animal stickers? tape anything to crate?
No, you don’t need to bring labels or stickers. We will provide all necessary labels and ensure they are securely attached to the crate when we meet you at the cargo bay, following IATA guidelines for pet transportation. However, you are responsible for supplying all required health documentation, import permits, and any additional licenses needed for your pet’s travel.
What am I allowed to bring to check-in?
There are specific requirements for all pet travel crates, which we will provide in a detailed checklist. As a general rule, any item that could present a safety risk to your pet is not permitted inside the crate. An absorbent material, such as a blanket, towel, or cardboard, is required to line the bottom of the crate for your pet’s comfort and cleanliness.
Where will my pet be while they wait for me for pick up?
Each country has its own procedures for delivering pets to their owners. Generally, your pet will remain in its kennel at the cargo facility until you clear customs and pay any applicable terminal fees. Some facilities offer in-house kennels, while others keep pets in the cargo bay until delivery. In most cases, your pet will be ready for you to pick up at the cargo bay once the necessary clearance is complete.
Can they be on the same flight as me.
When pets are booked through manifested cargo, they are typically placed on a freighter. However, if your pet is scheduled on a passenger flight, you may have the option to be on the same flight. We can only provide flight details after we are hired and submit the booking request. You will have the opportunity to review and confirm the flight details, including whether your pet will be on a freighter or a passenger flight, before finalizing the itinerary.
Request a Quote
Ready to begin? Fill out our quote request form, and we’ll guide you through the entire process with care and expertise.